posted 11-26-2002 12:47 PM            

Yes, back trouble can cause bowel problems.
Someone will be along soon to hopefully answer you in detail, as I don't have bowel problems.

I hope things get better for you.

posted 11-26-2002 11:11 PM            

Prior to my fusion of L4-5, L5-S1 in June of this year I too have the conection with lumbar problems and bowels.

Now this may seem strange in fact I had on nurse tell me that she never heard of what was happening to me.

Here it goes......don't laugh too hard. Some where between 12 hours before a bowel movement my left leg and foot would tingle, burn, and spasm worse then normal almost to the point of being numb. My husband would laugh when I would say the night before that I would have to go in the morning. Now that is weird.

Since the surgery it dosen't happen as often. it's very now and then. I that it that the nerves that were compressed are still healing. I do have to admit that it is now much better. I never have lost control of either my bladder of bowels. If that is the case call the doctor ASAP. That is a true emergency!

If nothing else out of this story Ihope you at least smiled.

posted 11-27-2002 07:12 AM            

Well, welcome back You are missed when you are not around.
Not to mention, I worry about you.
It's been pretty quiet lately, so hopefully people are doing better.

How are things going for you, and how are you feeling ?

I'll hop back on later tonight to see what is up.

Have a super day

posted 11-27-2002 09:53 AM            

Awwwwwwwwwwwwh that was so nice to hear. I think of you often too. I see it is pretty quiet around here also.

Things are not good with the cervical problems but the lumbar fusion has made me 80 to 90% better. I can't believe how good I feel there.

Now for the cervical problems... my headaches are worse then ever and I am waiting to hear if the Insurance company will let me have the needed discogram so I can that the cervical surgery. From the cervical MRI and EMG my surgeon believes my neck is "shot" from C2-T1. There are bone spurs, stenosis, and DDD all of which are compressing nerves and pressing into my spinal cord.

I am waiting for a call today to see if our second request for a discogram was denied or not. That is another long whole story.

How are you these days? Ready for the Holiday's?

posted 11-27-2002 11:19 PM            

I am so happy that you replied

I am so glad that you are 80% - 90% better in the lumbar area, but it must be a nightmare also dealing with the cervical problem.
Why do these things happen to good people ?

So, the stinking headaches are back again.....
As if you don't have enough on your plate now.
I feel so bad for you.
I wish I could make your pain vanish.

Did you hear from the insurance company today regarding the discogram approval ?

You were the first person to answer my discogram questions when I had it done, and I think you described it as the "dreaded discogram".
I can't imagine you having to repeat that procedure!
You know as well as I, that it is a great diagnostic test, and if you feel up to it, I think you should go for it.
Hopefully it will pick up exactly what is going on.

I also have a thoracic problem, but no cervical.
I bet those headaches are intense, you poor thing !

Please try to have a great Thanksgiving, I will be thinking about you.

Please keep me posted on what the insurance company decided.
I hope it goes in your favor

I will catch up with you later.

Have a great night.

posted 11-29-2002 02:26 PM            

I have horrible bowel symptoms with my back, have had for years. I know when my pain is at it's worst then I have shocking bowel frequency and am not game to be too far from a toilet! And the more frequently I go the more it pains me and so the circle goes!

The alteration in the colour of your bowel movements could be related to your medications perhaps. It would be worth talking to your doctor about.

Cheers from Downunder

posted 12-01-2002 04:14 PM            

Light in COLOR is probably food or nutrient related. Iron can make color darker; more fat in the diet can make the byproducts float. Carrots can make the color lighter as well. I'm sure there are other foods that do the same.

As for FREQUENCY - immobility, calcium, dehydration, narcotics and various other things will cause constipation or less frequent bowel movements.

If it continues and is worrisome, check it out with your medical provider!!

posted 12-03-2002 01:19 AM            

Yes back pain can affect the amount your bowel will produce. This can be that a nerve is compromised somewhere around the damaged area of your back. If you said you urinary output was reduced because you never seem to be able to empty the bladder fully is another sign. I had both and it was related to the herniated Thorasic disk. I had no feeling while making a bowel movement. I could only urinate a tea cupfull at a time. I would urinate 18 to 20 times a day. After surgery I did have some improvment. So don't give up insist they find the problem. Everyone deserves the best medical care possible and sometimes we must insist upon getting it.